Amanda Kessler may have officially joined us in May 2023, but she was lurking ever since 2017. Initially invited to do a Free Trial day back then, Amanda would dabble with some of our offerings such as meal prep, yoga, and happy hours. Eventually, she came around to becoming a full-on member and hasn’t looked back. Between some big lifting PRs and discovering that she can jump on a 20″ box, Amanda is discovering that she’s way more capable than she gave herself credit for. Read on to learn more about our November Member of the Month!
Name
Amanda Kessler
Occupation
Civil engineer/project manager at Amtrak
When did you start at Kanna?
Officially or unofficially? I’ve been popping into Kanna events since 2017 when Sara Allender convinced Katie Zenzel and me to attend a free trial class. Katie signed up, I did not. Since then I kept finding myself at Kanna extra curriculars (yoga, meal prep, F&M happy hour!). I finally signed up for real in May 2023.
What are your favorite numbers and why?
8 (no idea why, maybe the symmetry??), 23 (both my husband and I have birthdays on the 23rd)
What movements do you like?
Deadlifts!! Not sure how that came about but all of a sudden deadlifts are my favorite. Box jumps even though that 20″ box still scares me and I like trying things like rope climbs, walk walks and bar muscle ups…but the key word there is TRY. I cannot actually do any of those yet. In general, I like anything with the barbell, kettlebell swings, rowing, and running.
What movements do you dislike?
The bike. I really do not like the bike. All that air blowing in my face just makes my eyes water! I also could live without burpees and overhead squats (ok so there is one barbell thing I don’t like).
What sports or fitness things did you do before Kanna?
It feels like I have tried all the things. My first foray into fitness began in high school when I joined the track and tennis teams. Over the years my fitness routine would go back and forth between various gyms or Beachbody workouts and running, usually depending on the weather and how much I wanted to spend on a gym membership. For a short while I tried getting into swimming, but I didn’t like it and was glad COVID gave me an excuse to quit. In 2021 I got really into an Ashtanga yoga practice that I absolutely loved but fell out of after breaking my wrist in January 2024, but I still love popping into yoga classes when time allows.
How did you find Kanna? How did you feel when you first walked in?
Pretty sure Kanna found me! I felt a little overwhelmed (what is a WOD/EMOM/AMRAP?!) and right at home all at the same time. It definitely helped that most of my friends were already members and I recognized a few faces from the events I would pop into.
What’s your “why” for working out?
My sanity! I have always had a need to move my body. I feel like I have restless body syndrome if I don’t (I don’t think that’s a real thing). I’m really driven by the small wins. A movement I couldn’t do before or adding 5lbs to the barbell. Those personal wins that don’t matter in the grand scheme of things are everything for my psyche.
What’s your favorite thing about Kanna?
The community. I’m very much into individual sports/fitness so I’m shocked by how much I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie. Kanna is truly welcoming. No one is judging (except at competitions, but that’s different), the coaches really do coach, and there’s space for all levels and abilities. And I love how when I’m out and about in Ambler I’ll bump into fellow Kanna members.
What are your hobbies?
I’ve thought about this for so long, having tried for years get into a “hobby”. I was talking about this with my husband recently and he was like “Kanna IS your hobby!”. So I guess WODs are my #1 hobby but I also love yoga and reading (I’m a huge fan of the Ambler library). I’ve recently gotten into golfing and I’m often working on my little garden (just planted garlic) or sprucing up our landscaping (a fellow Kanna member convinced me to plant some native species!). Ok, so maybe I do have a couple hobbies.
What’s something most people don’t know about you or a fun fact?
I grew up in Rhode Island, lived in Boston for 8 years, and moved to Ambler on New Year’s Eve 2009. I miss New England (yes, I was kind of a Pats fan) but PA has been a great place to settle with my family. GO BIRDS!
What PRs or accomplishments (fitness-related) are you most proud of?
Back to the deadlifts. I got to 225lb the other day and was truly shocked and excited by this. Hoping for more PRs in the future! I also love noticing smaller things I can do now that I couldn’t last year – 20″ box jumps (only a few, still afraid to try in a WOD!), heavier wall balls, stronger rowing.
What’s on your fitness bucket list?
Pull ups! Contrary to my lower body, my upper body strength leaves much to be desired. I’m hoping to put in some extra work to eventually do a real pull up. Along those lines I’d love to get better at toes to bar and add weight to my power cleans.
What’s on your general bucket list?
Travel. So many places to see and adventures to be had.
What advice do you have for people new to Kanna?
Two things: 1.Just show up! There’s literally nothing to think about except how many layers to wear when it’s cold out. Not every workout will be awesome and THAT’S OK. Just moving your body is so beneficial. 2. Be brave and say hi, ask someone a question, or give a fist bump at the end of class.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
My favorite band is Foo Fighters and I’d really love a good alt rock playlist for the MOTM WOD 🙂